As part of our commitment to preserving local wildlife and enhancing biodiversity on our developments, our new site in Portchester has a dedicated Bird Conservation Area (BCA) adjacent to its southern boundary. This area, that was previously in use as an arable field, has already begun its transformation into a secure, species-rich habitat supporting a wide range of wildlife.

The primary goal of this area is to provide an optimal foraging habitat for the Brent Geese when they travel to the area in the Autumn. This breed of goose, the smallest in the UK, travel from Siberia to spend approximately 5 months in our sheltered coastland marshes and estuaries.

The primary aim of our conservation area is to provide the optimum foraging habitat for the visiting geese. Although they largely depend on eelgrass, we are also providing a nearby foraging alternative by introducing a grassland sward as well as a nearby scrape which will benefit other wildfowl and wader species.

We'll also be installing fencing around the BCA land to limit public access – ensuring a safe, undisturbed environment for the geese and other species.

Aligned with our site's drainage strategy, we are incorporating three Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) ponds at the western edge of the area. Each pond is uniquely designed to support biodiversity:

• Two SuDS ponds will have fluctuating water levels, mimicking natural wetland conditions.
• The third pond will maintain a permanent water level and include an artificial nesting bank, specifically constructed to attract sand martins and kingfishers.

Surrounding the SuDS, we will also establish a damp meadow grassland which will be managed to maintain a variety of optimum moisture levels throughout the seasons. This will help to support a mix of species including birds, bats and small mammals, bringing more ecological value to the area.

Through these conservation focused design choices, our goal is to create a thriving habitat that not only supports Brent geese but also introduces an ecosystem that encourages a wider range of wildlife to grow and thrive.

This commitment reflects our vision for building responsible developments that support local ecosystems and provides lasting environmental benefits.